A memorial service for Mike Nolan, a sheriff’s commander, La Center city councilman, community volunteer, husband and father of four, is scheduled for Friday morning.
Nolan, 49, died June 30 at the Ray Hickey Hospice House from a fast-moving form of brain cancer diagnosed in late May.
The service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at New Heights Church, 7913 N.E. 58th Ave.
Nolan was a person who did so much, in so many ways, that folks might wonder how he found the time.
He’d worked for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 in several capacities: patrol deputy and patrol sergeant; detective and accident reconstructionist with the Traffic Homicide Unit; SWAT team member; accreditation manager for the department’s compliance with nationwide standards; and precinct commander, said Chief Deputy Mike Evans.
Most recently, Nolan was commander of special operations, overseeing SWAT, the Tactical Detective Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, Marine Patrol, Mobile Response (riot) Team and, working with the Portland Police Bureau, the Air Support Unit.
“Mike was a very outgoing man who loved his job,” Evans said. “He was quick with witty, humorous comments that reflected his somewhat dry sense of humor.
“It just seemed like, whatever you were talking about, he had a way of twisting the words around to make it funny,” Evans added.
At the same time, Evans said, Nolan was very interested in the safety of his fellow officers and was creative.
“He could be counted on to challenge current practices as he pushed for continued growth and excellence in all enforcement operational venues.”
Nolan’s wife, Erin Nolan, also is a career Clark County sheriff’s officer, now serving as chief civil deputy.
Mike Nolan also served on the La Center City Council after being elected in fall 2007. This year, he was appointed to the board of commissioners of Clark County Fire & Rescue, which protects the Ridgefield, La Center and greater Battle Ground areas.
A 1978 graduate of Evergreen High School who moved to La Center in 2002, he is survived by his wife and four children: an adult daughter, Kirsten; Trenton, 17; Sean, 13; and Grace, 9.
La Center Mayor Jim Irish said Mike Nolan put his family first, while also being a special person to many others.
Nolan served as a frequent volunteer with a long list of community groups and events, including working with La Center Little League for eight years, coaching and serving on the board.
And he volunteered with the Boy Scouts and took part in Junior Miss Teen La Center activities.
“He had teenagers,” explained Sheriff Garry Lucas. “He was trying to keep up with them.”
John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.
